Campaign Dress 1879

The 2nd Battalion fought in the Afghan War of 1878-80, adapting to the harsh conditions of mountain warfare. They wore a khaki frock fastened with five buttons down the front. The trousers, however, were the dark blue trousers similar to those worn in dress. In this group photo Glengarry caps are worn with badges taken from the centre of the star badge on the recently issued home service helmet. Several of the senior NCOs have Sam Browne belts, the rest have white leather waist-belts with a white ammunition pouch on the right side. They are armed with Martini Henry rifles. One man, sitting next to the drums, is armed with a revolver, kept in a leather holster. He may be an officer, or the Regimental Sergeant Major. Interestingly they have been permitted to grow beards. A man standing at the back, on the left of the photo wears the white helmet, normally worn in marching order and when fighting. This would have been coloured with khaki dye.

Regimental Details | Uniforms